Retired Faculty and Staff Association

First Annual RFSA Annual Meeting Attracts 50+ Texas State Retirees
Story by Pat Murdock/Pictures by Ev Swinney

SAN MARCOS -- More than 50 members and prospective members of the Texas State University-San Marcos Retired Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA) turned out for the organization's first annual business meeting April 7 at the Price Seniors Center.

In the meeting, members approved the organization's constitution and bylaws and elected officers for the 2008-2009 membership year. Elected unanimously were Marianne Reese, president; Everette Swinney, vice president; Oliver Maier, secretary; Darlene Schmidt, treasurer; and John Beck, ombudsperson.

John Beck Ollie Maier Marianne Reese Ev Swinney Darlene Schmidt

         RFSA Organizing Committee members Peggy Brunner and Robert Whalin entertained with a Bloody Mary song from South Pacific, and Texas State President Denise Trauth welcomed the retirees.

    President Trauth applauded the efforts of the group's Organizing Committee members and Vice President for University Advancement Becky Prince and her staff who have encouraged the organization of the RFSA and have provided staff support.

       Reese and Swinney, who have co-chaired the RFSA Organizing Committee almost ever since it was formed in 2006, reviewed the history, goals, accomplishments and future plans of the organization.


Bob Whalin and Peggy Brunner	President Trauth	Marianne Reese

Primary goals of the organization include representing retired faculty and staff regarding university benefits and other issues directly relevant to retirees; serving as a conduit for improving communication between the university and retired faculty and staff; enhancing the participation of retired faculty and staff in university activities; developing and organizing activities and events of special interest to retirees; and identifying and supporting scholarships, lectures and other university special events.

Major accomplishments to date have included providing valuable input to the university's retiree benefits policy, developing an official website, getting retirees listed in the published and on-line faculty and staff directory and refining the university's retiree contact information.

Five new membership applications were received before the end of the day Monday; the fledgling organization's membership now stands at 130. Membership is open to all Texas State University retirees and surviving spouses of deceased retirees. Retired faculty and staff members of other accredited colleges or universities may become Associate Members.

After the business session, Ronald B. Jager, retired professor of history and executive director of the Price Center, showed a video that traced the historic facility's history and efforts leading to its restoration and adaptation from a church to a seniors' center and a popular lunch, meeting and special event venue.

Ron Jager